Children’s self-esteem is a cornerstone of their emotional, social and cognitive development. It acts as an internal compass that guides their decisions, modulates their emotions and gives meaning to the experiences they have. Therefore, if we want them to grow up confident, happy and resilient, we must start by building a solid foundation as early as possible.

Why is it essential to work on self-esteem in childhood?

From the earliest years of life, children begin to form a mental image of themselves: who they are, what they can achieve and how they fit into the world around them. This is the foundation on which they will build all their emotional, social and academic skills.

When a child has healthy self-esteem:

  • They feel capable of learning, exploring and taking on challenges.
  • They show autonomy and responsibility in their decisions.
  • They face mistakes as part of their growth process.
  • They feel they have a place and a value in their surroundings.

Several neuroscientific studies have shown that good self-esteem is related to greater activation in areas of the brain related to motivation and decision-making. In other words, when children value themselves, their brains are literally primed to learn better.

Conversely, a child with low self-esteem may:

  • Avoid difficult situations for fear of failure.
  • Doubt their abilities even when they have demonstrated talent.
  • Seek constant approval.
  • Display behaviours of isolation or frustration.

Activities to improve children’s self-esteem

There are certain activities for children’s self-esteem that help them recognise themselves as capable and valuable. And we are not talking about complex or elaborate tasks, but about dynamics that only require consistency and affection.

Personal achievement diary

Invite children to write (or draw, if they don’t already write) at the end of each day something they have done well and something they are proud of. It can be as simple as ‘I helped pick up the toys’ or ‘I tried hard to read a difficult word’.

This helps them to:

  • Focus their attention on what is positive.
  • Raise awareness of their abilities.
  • Reinforce self-evaluation and internal recognition.

Mirror game

This exercise can be done in a group or individually. In front of a mirror, children say out loud three things they like about themselves: ‘I like my smile’, ‘I am good at drawing’ or ‘I am a good friend’.

This will help them to train their internal dialogue and to learn to speak to each other with affection and respect.

Self-esteem box

Each child is asked to decorate a box in which positive messages from their family, classmates and teachers will be placed. They can also include photos, drawings or mementos that remind them of happy moments or personal achievements. They can turn to the box when they feel sad or insecure.

Tips for developing children’s self-esteem at an early age

Self-esteem is not built overnight, but is a progressive process that needs consistency, affection and constant opportunities. To this end, we would like to share some practical tips that can be applied from day one.

1. Avoid comparisons

Phrases such as ‘Why aren’t you like your sister?’ or ‘John always finishes first’, even if they are said without any bad intentions, can undermine self-esteem. Each child has their own pace and abilities, so it is important to value their progress without comparing them.

2. Focus on the effort, not just the result

We should always reward dedication, perseverance and an open-minded attitude towards mistakes. If a child tries hard but does not succeed, praise them for trying. In this way, they will learn that failure does not detract from their value.

3. Give them responsibility

Including children in everyday tasks in the classroom or at home makes them feel useful and competent, from setting the table to feeding the class pet.

4. Listen with genuine attention

Nothing reinforces one’s sense of worth more than feeling listened to. When children talk to us, put your mobile phone aside, look them in the eye and pay attention. We are saying: ‘I care about you’.

Impact of high self-esteem on the future of children

Self-esteem is like an emotional muscle. If we work on it in childhood, it will be stronger in adolescence and adulthood. And when a child knows who they are and what they are worth, they have everything they need to build a bright future. So what are the benefits of working on self-esteem from a young age?

  • Better academic performance: children who are more self-confident dare to ask questions, to participate and to persist. They do not give up easily.
  • Better interpersonal relationships: as they feel more valued, they also value others more. In fact, empathy and cooperation stem from a good relationship with themselves.
  • Resilience in the face of frustration: they know that one mistake does not define who they are. They pick themselves up, learn and move on.
  • Healthier decision-making: good self-esteem helps them resist negative pressures and make choices that are truly in their best interests.

Why is mental health so important in education?

In an environment where academic and social pressure starts earlier and earlier, talking about mental health in the classroom is not an option, but an urgent necessity. Emotional well-being directly influences learning, coexistence and performance.

A student who arrives at school feeling anxious, sad or insecure cannot concentrate as well as one who is confident and calm. Hence the importance of teaching children to recognise their emotions, to express them in the right way and to ask for help when they need it.

The importance of emotional intelligence in schools

Emotional intelligence is not taught through books, but is actually felt and practised. It is the ability to recognise our own emotions and to understand the emotions of others in order to learn to regulate them.

When we integrate emotional intelligence into the school environment:

  • We improve coexistence among students.
  • We reduce conflicts and bullying.
  • We increase empathy, tolerance and teamwork.

Strategies for improving the mental health of students

Here are some of the most effective activities:

  • Include time for daily emotional discussion.
  • Encourage routines that provide security: greetings, farewell rituals, clear rules.
  • Incorporate relaxation or mindfulness techniques.
  • Establish channels of communication with families to work as a team.

How to implement mental health programmes in the education system?

Good intentions are not enough. We need to establish a good structure as well as constant work. Some ideas in this regard could include:

  • Compulsory training in mental health and emotional intelligence for teachers.
  • Presence of specialised professionals (school psychologists) in all educational centres.
  • Coordination with social and health services for a comprehensive response.
  • Design of multidisciplinary projects that integrate mental health into the curriculum.

As parents and educators, we have the wonderful task of making our children feel safe, happy, loved and respected. It is a task that begins with small gestures, on a daily basis.